Andrea Bocelli: Verdi
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 September, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $18.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

With this CD devoted solely to operatic arias--by none less thanGiuseppe Verdi, thegreatest Italian opera composer of all time--pop crossover phenomenonAndrea Bocelli throws his hatinto the operatic ring with the big boys. The hat occasionally fits, andoccasionally it doesn't. The beauty of the voice is undeniable, as is therelative ease in all registers. But, regardless of what the engineers do, it isclearly a small voice. For "Celeste Aïda"--Radames's great aria fromAïda--Bocelli openswith fine, as-big-as-possible exclamation and sounds confident; the longdiminuendo on the aria's final high B-flat is stunning (whether or not theengineers were twiddling with the knobs, we'll never know). The tenor is more athome with Alfredo's Act Two music fromLa Traviata; he singswith grace and charm, ending the rarely performed cabaletta (a brief and showypiece that usually follows an aria) with one of the longest, most solid high Csever recorded. Elsewhere, there are mixed results: "Di' tu se fedele" fromUn ballo in maschera isso free of feeling that it seems digitally produced. A big, unnecessary high Dat the close of the Duke's cabaletta "Possente amor" fromRigoletto is screamed,and Bocelli sounds at times as if he's about to collapse from exhaustion duringa heavy aria from Ernani.But "Ah si, ben mio" from Il Trovatore isbeautiful, as is theLuisa Miller aria;Don Carlo also seems tofit Bocelli well. Needless to say, the singer's fans will certainly want to havethis--and it might encourage them to try other recordings of music by Verdi.Newcomers and the curious will find plenty to admire, too. The sound itselfremains alluring, and Bocelli has taken steps also towards improving histechnique. In short, some nice surprises for the opera lover, and many for theBocelli fan. --Robert Levine ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Opera for the masses
I am a Bocelli fan, but have never really payed attention to his Opera Classical recordings.Many Opera buffs will tell you that his light tenor voice is not Verdian enough and that his interpretation is wrong.Maybe they are right, but I have even put some Enrico Caruso's Verdi recording, and you know what? I enjoy Bocelli's voice more.Maybe I am a plebian in the world of Opera, but a century old interpretation is not where my mind is at.For now, this is a beautiful recording that will open up your desiresto opera music and maybe it will lead you down the path of known Verdi singers like Domingo, Corelli etc.Why is it that some people who have steeped deep into Opera do not enjoy Bocelli's voice?Cause he has to sing Opera with a microphone?Or maybe that his emotions lacks the dramatic interpretations of what is written in stone?Cause he is pop?All the reasons are futile.Bottom line is this is a wonderfully recorded album with a legit voice.The critics make Bocelli seem like Michael Bolton trying to do a opera album.That ofcourse is far fetched.Bocelli is a opera singer, it all comes down if wheter you personally like his voice.

An Unnecessary recording
It truly is amusing to see how the pop side of music has "ventured" into the scores of the operatic realm.With the undeniably unartistic hullaballoo that started from the rising of the three tenors to Michael Bolton, Russell Watson, and Bocelli's delving into opera, there seems to be an evident decline in the control of the amount of artistry taken into presenting the great art of opera.Let me clarify one thing: Bocelli is a pop star.He truly sounds beautiful in "Time to Say Goodbye" and in his Romanza release.I cannot say the same for his Aria, the Opera album, the Verdi Album, and the Sentimento and Sacred Arias Album.These were all failures of the authorities of the opera world to control the kind of material being released into the market.Bocelli cannot sing opera.He doesn't have a powerful voice.How amusing it is that people would describe round sounding voices to be powerful.That is probably why the bar has been lowered- the people of pop have influenced the noble art of opera with their notions of "powerful voice" and such and so when they really can't fill an auditorium with their inferior instruments.The same goes for Bocelli.I would wonder why a conductor as respectable as Zubin Mehta would go as far as turning Bocelli into an ideal opera star of this century.The good conductor should have considered other artists first before turning to this one.Heck!Even Juan Diego Florez could pull off dark-sounding Verdi even better than Bocelli could!This CD is a mistake.I do not urge you to buy it, even if you are a Bocelli fan.

Wrong
"Mercè, diletti amici" IS an aria for tenor from Ernani.There is a soprano aria from the Sicilian Vespers with the same opening phrase.If you want to hear THAT sung to absolute perfection, check out Beverly Sills' version. ... Read more

Asin: B00004X16D
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Crossover    3. Opera    4. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $499.99
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Editorial Review

Whip up custom coffee specialty drinks in your own kitchen, with just the right amount of foam on your double tall latte, with this sturdy Italian-made espresso machine. It has an all-steel construction under heavy chrome plating, making it as sturdy and shiny as the bumpers of a '55 Buick. The machine is 12 by 7 inches in size (with the handle lowered) and comes with a tamper, screen, screen holder, measuring ladle, and cappuccino attachment, as well as complete operating instructions and a ten-minute video.

The machine's sleek, retro look sports shiny surfaces, a thick base with curved edges, and a pull-down coffee compressor. It's attractive enough to leave out on the counter (and really too heavy to move around frequently), and once you get used to inexpensive lattes at home, you'll want it handy for everyday use. --Marcie Bovetz

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 11 by 7 by 12 inches; 1-year warranty
• Ideal for making coffee specialty drinks at home
• Sturdy all-steel construction under heavy chrome plating
• Comes with tamper, screen, screen holder, measuring ladle, and cappuccino attachment
• Also includes instructional video for getting started

Reviews (9)

Very Good Machine, But with many faults.
beautiful machine. But I cannot give it any higher score.It is very nice to use and you can make great tasting espresso with it (with a lot of practice and experimentation) , but it is far from an excellent machine.Here are the faults in my opinion:
1- Machine is not heavy enough. (this is a big problem as you will see with many of the points the follow).
2- securing the coffee into the machine requires some strength which is a problem because of (1) --> the machine will not stay still it will move around.
3- The lever pulling and pushing is needs strength --> this is a problem because of (1) again.
3- the Milk frother is too close to the machine (if you are not careful you will burn yourself a couple of times as I did) Also this makes the frothing process much harder.
4- I do not think that the machine keeps enough pressure to get a froth (not even for one cup) for a latte
5- The reservoir is somewhat small (minor problem)
6- because of (3) the milk will make a mess when frothing.
7- Instructions are vague in some areas such as how you are suppose to be using the double shot espresso.
8- The automatic milk frather attachment worked all right for couple of times, but started to decline in performance. (this could be my fault, but I did not experiment with it enough to tell)

I am returning my unit and will be trying the Francis Francis (they were both the same price where I bought this machine from) and I will post a review there about my next machine.

I hope this can help some of you out there shopping for an espresso machine.

This machine was recommended to me by a good Italian Friend of mine, and he is very picky about his espresso, so this machine must be able to make really good espresso if one did not mind all it's faults and had the time to perfect their espresso making wit it.

Layth

Beautiful but impractical
The La Pavoni has become an industrial design icon, and, in some circles more concerned about prettiness than practicality, the must-have espresso maker.

Unfortunately, looking good is the only thing it does well. You can get reasonably good espresso out of this machine, but only after weeks of tinkering and experimenting, and it is just extremely inconvenient to use.

Here are the problems I have collected from two separate friends (one who owns one, and another who used to and swore never to get near one again!)

1) somewhat fragile
2) no thermostat, machine could explode if relief valve jams (my friend's did!)
3) machine requires close monitoring (see item 2)
4) after using up water in (small) tank, machine must be left to cool down before reuse
5) messy
6) limited supply of steam for cappucinos (see item 2)
7) difficult to gauge the right amount of coffee: not enough and you can't achieve sufficient pressure, too much and you can't lock in the filter holder
8) difficult to learn how to "pump" properly
9) even on its best day, can't achieve the results of a decent pump-driven machine that costs less than half its price.

If you plan on using the machine but absolutely have to have an exotic-looking, conversation piece machine, you may want to look at the Francis Francis machine. It's in the same price range, but at least it's pump-driven.

If you care more about the taste of the coffee and the practicality of the machine, you should definitely consider the Saeco Vienna. It's 30% cheaper than the La Pavoni, makes better coffee, and has push-button convenience. It's also extremely reliable, and perfect for when you entertain (anybody can use it)

That leaves the La Pavoni for people who want a great looking conversation piece on their countertop but don't plan on using it.

Bravissimo!
This is a Ferrari of espresso machines.In addition to being a work of art (it's at MOMA in the permanent collection), La Povoni makes great espresso, period. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9G8

VillaWare V150 Imperia Noodle Machine
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $39.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Nothing beats a plate of truly fresh pasta. And now it's easy to roll out your own at home, with Villaware's Italian-made pasta maker. Whether the craving is for spaghetti or fettuccine, this sturdy machine handles the job with efficiency and style. Made of heavyweight chromed steel, with an attractive wood grip handle, Villaware's pasta maker looks great on the counter and is easy to use--there's nothing to plug in as this is the tried-and-true hand-crank variety. The easy-lock adjustable dough-dialer rolls thick or thin pasta, and it comes with spaghetti and fettuccine cutters. Cutters for tagliatelle and angel hair pasta are available separately. --Meg Heffernan ... Read more

Features

• heavyweight chromed steel construction; made in Italy
• Easy-to-use hand-cranked machine creates a variety of homemade pasta
• Sturdy clamp safely steadies the machine against a tabletop or counter
• Comes with cutters for spaghetti (2 mm, round) and fettuccine (6-1/2 mm, flat)
• Includes easy-to-follow directions and recipes to get your started

Reviews (62)

Follow the directions exactly and it will change how you eat
I bought mine about a year ago, and it has made perfect pasta every time.It's easy as long as you follow the directions.Even my friends purchased pasta machines once they saw how easy it was and tasted the results!

I just use high gluten flour (bread flour).I hang my pasta on the kitchen towel rack on my island, but you can also use a sweater drying rack for big batches as long as you put a towel underneath it to catch any jumpers.

I love this thing!

First Try....Perfect Noodles
I saw this pasta maker recommended in Bon Appetit.I was over eager on the first sheet (not letting it dry enough) and it really gummed up the cutter.My recommendation would be to follow the directions in the manual exactly.Hey, I am a guy...we never read instructions!After rolling out a sheet, sprinkle a bit of flour on the counter and place the sheet on it....sprinkle a bit more flour on top of that and continue to alternate flour and sheets.After allowing the 20 minutes of drying time, you will find the flour makes the sheets easier to handle and aids in seperating the noodles once they are cut.It is definitely an art, and not a science, but I was amazed how good the noodles turned out.I can't wait for my ravioli cutter to arrive.

Nifty Gadget
I've had this gizmo for several years now and I love it, but I must be a lot messier than the rest of you guys -- after a pasta project my floor is pretty crunchy; since it's clamped so close to the edge of the table, a lot of the semolina goes on the floor.But it's fun and it's the real thing, the one used in Italian homes.

The only drawbacks I found are the same as other reviewers noted: the handle falls out and the one-sided clamp makes it lift when rolling stiffer dough.But you get used to it.In my experience letting the dough rest a bit before cutting is a big help.It seems to cut more smoothly.

I never use eggs in my pasta so I don't worry about eggy bits left behind, but an old toothbrush will get most of the crumbs out, and dry paper towels polish it right up (hint: roll a dry paper towel through a couple of times to absorb leftover moisture to prevent rust).

My favorite pasta is semolina (always!!) and chopped cooked spinach -- that's it, and this machine is sturdy enough to handle it.FYI, it's the protein in eggs that gives that special egg-noodle "bite", that can be obtained using simply egg whites or (believe it or not) plain yogurt.Semolina, yogurt, lemon juice, zest and cracked black pepper -- heavenly! This machine rolls nice sheets to cut in large squares for a simple "open" ravioli of winter squash, brown butter and sage. And you haven't lived if you've never had lasagne made with fresh pasta. Can you tell I like to cook? ;o)

It only takes a few batches to get a feel for proper dough consistency.You have to keep in mind that no two batches are alike, since it also depends on ambient temperature and humidity -- it's all part of the fun.

This pasta maker is well worth the price.I paid a lot more for mine several years ago -- pre Amazon.Try it, you'll like it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPDH
Subjects:  1. Pasta Makers    2. (Pasta Machines)    3. Pasta Tools   

Enjoy espresso the authentic Italian way with BonJour's Café Milano's stovetop espresso maker. Like an old-fashioned percolator, this handsome modern espresso maker forces hot water through ground coffee to produce deep, rich, satisfying espresso. With cream or without? That's up to you. BonJour's signature knob--charmingly shaped like an oversize coffee bean--graces the lid and adds a bit of fun to your morning espresso. Keep your fingers far from the heat of the aluminum body with the well-designed handle that curves out yet offers a firm grip. Designed and crafted in Italy, the 6-cup Café Milano version is a good size for a couple, but families or larger groups might want to opt for the 9-cup version. Hand washing recommended. --Meg Heffernan ... Read more

Features

• Made in Italy
• Brew six cups of espresso with this classic stovetop espresso maker
• Charming signature coffee-bean knob makes coffee time fun
• Handsome streamlined look is elegant on stovetop or table
• Sturdy spherical base prevents tipping, spillage

Asin: B00004R8YW
Subjects:  1. French Presses    2. Coffee Presses   

Italian Wedding Favorites
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 May, 2000)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $16.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (4)

NOT a good CD for an Italian wedding
I agree with the review I read on this site about this CD. I purchased it for my son's wedding, thinking it would be directed to an Italian Wedding theme. It was a rip off. It was simply a compilation of Pavarotti's vocals, with no thought or instruction as to how it could be used in an Italian wedding.

Buyer beware. This is NOT an Italian Wedding CD. I can't give it less than 2 stars, however, since Pavarotti is Pavarotti, but he sells enough CDs, he shouldn't rip off prospective brides and grooms.

Great music, but NOT a CD for an Italian WEDDING!
We are a second generation Italian American family. My mother bought this CD in anticipation of my daughter's big Italian wedding. Upon review of the CD, we were very disappointed. While the music projected the powerful voice of Pavarotti and was beautiful, it was definitely NOT a CD that could be marketed as an Italian Wedding CD! In fact, we felt it was a bit of false advertising, marketing the CD as a wedding CD. Fortunately, we found another Italian Wedding CD by searching the net that saved the day (as it was specifically designed for an Italian American wedding and even had a guide that described the songs and dances) We just think that the Pavarotti CD should be marketed as what it really is. . .a bunch of Italian songs sung well by Pavarotti. Hope this helps future brides looking for appropriate Italian wedding music. . . .

Fantastic CD Compellation
There are some great songs on this CD.My family is mainly italian and we love to play this at get togethers and Christmas time.Ave Marie done by Pavarotti is perfect. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TB6C
Sales Rank: 66634
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Crossover    3. Classical Vocals    4. Wedding Music   

Capresso 153.04 C3000 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center, with Pump-Auto Cappuccino System
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $2,394.99
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Editorial Review

When feeling a little groggy in the morning, or wondering where the coffee measure was tossed, or when dreaming of hiring a personal barista, consider the Capresso 3000. With completely automatic functions and stylish good looks, it fulfills all of these desires and doesn't ask for tips.

Easy to pre-set, the Capresso 3000 wakes up first, warming itself up in preparation for the coffee to come. Just stumble into the kitchen, find a clean mug, and set it down under the adjustable coffee spout. If you're in the mood for a cappuccino, pour some milk into a separate cup, so that it can be steamed while the Capresso brews. Then select the quantity and style of coffee wanted by pressing one button and, about 50 seconds later, the espresso or coffee is steaming in the cup. The milk is ready in another 30 seconds or so.

The Capresso 3000 measures out the correct amount of coffee, grinds it according to specifications, tamps it into the filter, brews the espresso, adds water, for an Americano-style coffee, and then discards the used grounds into an easily removable tray. If you'd like an additional shot, it's ready to go. The milk steamer never runs out of steam, since it's run on a separate system, and the removable water tank holds 96 ounces of water. To insure that the Capresso 3000 always makes great-tasting coffee, it also comes with a water filter attachment, two sample water filters, six cleaning tablets, and water hardness test sticks. Oh, and one more thing--the espresso is superb, with a rich, heady cream that made me think I'd died and gone to Italy. --Julija Gelazis

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 14 by 14 by 15-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Fully automated, programmable coffee, espresso, and cappuccino maker
• Integrated burr coffee grinder; 96-ounce removable water tank for easy filling
• Programmable timer, coffee strength, and temperature
• Includes water filter attachment, 2 sample water filters, 6 cleaning tablets, and water-hardness test sticks

Reviews (20)

Disappointed
Below is the message I Sent to Capresso. I think it explains it all.They did not reply until i sent them a follow up letter

Dear Madam or Sir:

I was very excited about purchasing one of your Capresso Super Automatic Impressa S series machines. The design concepts and convenience appealed to me. Usually (not always!) the higher priced items tend to be of better quality and your machines definitely fall into the higher priced category. Therefore I assumed they would be of the utmost quality. Boy was I wrong.Rather giddy I took the 45 minute drive down to ******** ******* in Wrentham, MA to purchase an Impressa S7 only to find they had none in stock, but they did have factory refurbished C3000 machines. So in having good luck with other manufactures refurbished products, and assuming your company was thorough in its refurbishing process I was comfortable purchasing one at its $1200.00 price tag. Upon arriving home and opening the package I was rather disappointed. The machine was filthy there was still grounds in it, and the surfaces and catch trays all had dried up coffee and sediment on them. So I read the manual and cleaned the machine the best I could. When I went to set it up and attach the frothXpress I found that the Steam nozzle was missing. Figuring I could call and get one shipped to me Monday I continued on. Plugging in the machine and going through the initial rinse phase I got a message to fill the system and press steam. The system was full of water and beans and the steam half of the machine worked. When trying to make a cup of coffee it would grind the beans and then just dump them into the waste tray. After looking through the manual again and checking your website I decided that the machine was defective and boxed it back up. The next morning I loaded it back in the car and made the 45 Minute ride back to the store to exchange it. After making the 45 Minute ride home with the new unit I was happy to find that this one had the steam nozzle. This one was also filthy. During cleaning of the second unit I found that the used coffee container and aroma protection lid where missing from this one. When I powered up the second unit neither the steam nor the brew system functioned with the system full of water and beans. With this I packed it back up and spent an hour and a half to return it to the store, and did not get another for obvious reasons. Mind you that both boxes appeared to be unopened and factory sealed. With all that I found wrong with both units it makes me wonder if your refurbishing process consists boxing them back up and shipping them out or if the fixed units got mixed with the damaged units. I can not see how a company could ship a filthy machine like that with the health concerns involved.

I decided to give your company a second chance today Monday, March 07, 2005 by calling your customer support line. I wanted to find a stocking local retailer where I could buy a new Impressa S7 and express my dismay about the problems I had this weekend. I wanted to buy it locally so if I had more problems I could return it to the store instead of shipping it somewhere. The service representative got me locations down in Providence, RI about an hour and fifteen minutes away from me but seemed irritated that she had to do it for me. I had already tried the net but it returned no results. When I started to mention my problems she showed no interest at all and just worked to get me off the phone without addressing any of my concerns for the product. This left me with a bad taste in my mouth and no real desire to spend $1800.00 on a machine made by your company. The People at ******* ******* where professional, courteous, and sympathetic to my problem though there was nothing they could do for me. It is a shame your company is not the same. All this from a company that makes the claim "People and Attitudes Make a Difference!
Once you own a Capresso product we want to make sure that you feel completely comfortable about your decision" on your website. I am pretty sure my comments will not make it under that section of your site but I can make sure that this letter gets posted with every product review location that I find your products in.



Disappointed,

Danny Wilcox

Sent for service twice
After two to three months use the machine has clogged and had to be sent in for service.Clogging seems to occur after the message displays to clean machine with the tablet.After doing that, the trouble starts.When it is working it makes great coffee.Don't seem to get answers on how to fix it myself.They just tell me to send it back.Then I am without it for two to three weeks.The local rep has tried to be more helpful than Capresso customer service.Has anyone else experienced this problem?

Not for Everybody
Owning and living with the C3000 for over a year, I encourage people to try this before they buy.It takes time to learn how to get good results from this machine.Although semi-automatic, I always make the coffees, due to it's many idiosyncrasies.

Pros: Water container and filter system is really superb. System cleaning is very easy, including periodic maintenance.System status / display panel very good and easy to use. Fast warm-up time, auto shutoff feature.

Cons: It is honestly not the best at extracting full flavor from the espresso beans (compared to my Brasilia) - you really need just the right beans for best results & the first shot is always a tosser. Also, since my SubZero keeps my milk real cold, I have to pre-heat my cups with hot water and even then it is tough to steam the milk to a high enough temperature for serving. Noisy when making coffee.Oily beans jam hopper on grinder.

Overall, I use it only to make quick coffees for myself.I certainly would never attempt to impress anyone with the quality of coffee it produces. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SU1R
Subjects:  1. Espresso Machines    2. (Espresso Makers)    3. (Expresso)   

The Ultimate Puccini Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 June, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Fantastic!
This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!
The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written.But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues.I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc.So, is the music the ultimate?YES!Is the recording the ultimate? NO! ... Read more

Asin: B000007OU1
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio   

La Pavoni EPG-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Brass
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

True baristas "pull" an espresso with a lever instead of punching a button and relying on an automatic pump's whims. With this machine, you force water through the coffee yourself, using the lever to precisely control speed. That means full flavor and the thick cap of cream marking a perfect drink. Burnished brass and outfitted with polished-wood handles and steam-control knob, this machine looks 19th century but operates with 21st-century reliability.

A steam wand heats milk for hot chocolate and creates foam for cappuccinos, lattes, and other coffee drinks, while an alternate wand with frothing attachment automatically produces heaps of foam directly into cups. The water tank holds 20 ounces, enough to make eight cups before the tank (accessible under the machine's removable dome) needs refilling and the water needs to be heated again. (The heating element's rating is 1000 watts maximum, 800 watts minimum.) A glass tube permits water-level monitoring, while a thermostat triggering a green light signals when water reaches the correct crema-producing temperature. An internal fuse, which can be reset in the base, prevents overheating.

Pulling an espresso the old-fashioned way is enormously gratifying, and a video accompanying the machine teaches anyone the skills needed to become a true barista. This machine will contribute nobility to your kitchen and boost your ranking among friends. --Fred Brack

Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 11 by 7 by 12 inches; 1-year warranty
• Delivers espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, and other coffee drinks
• Lever permits crafting espresso to personal taste
• Makes 8 cups continuously without heating more water
• Includes automatic milk foamer, measuring spoon, 1- and 2-cup filters

Reviews (1)

This is the Jaguar of Espresso Machines
Please trust me, although I may not be an EXPERT on coffee, I know ALOT about espresso.I have worked in the coffee business for over 5 years. I have tasted the good, the bad, and the ugly. I drink espresso and espresso drinks regularly.Through my years of drinking espresso I beleive there are two things essential to the perfect cup. 1. The beans must be dark, oily, and finely ground. They must be of the highest quality you can afford. 2. The most important....your machine must be a REAL espresso maker.Forget about those combo coffee makers.Forget about Name-brand department store machines...they all have one thing in common.The espresso always tastes weak and you cannot control the strength of it.These ordinary machines cannot give you rich espresso topped with Creme( a frothy rich creamy foam that floats atop the perfect espresso).This is because no machine, except for industrial high-tech machines used in coffee shops, can carry the pressure necessary to create the perfect espresso. This machine can! I have used one, searched for one for YEARS...even looking in Italian papers...and here it is right at Amazon!If you are looking for perfection...you've found it!The hand-pull design allows you to control the strength of your espresso..thereby giving you superior tasting espresso drinks as well.I would give this machine 10 stars because you would have to go to Italy to find such a high quality machine..honest....I really do know this stuff.If you have any questions regarding this machine, espresso, or anything to do with quality coffee please feel free to email me.Espresso fanatics..this is a MUST have. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S9GF

VillaWare V515 Pasta Drying Rack
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $11.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Making your own pasta is enough of an adventure without having to find places to hang it out to dry. That's what all those clotheslines in Italy are used for when they're not drying clothes. This wooden rack takes about 10 minutes to put together (really) with a Phillips screwdriver. It stands 15 inches high, and has 12 wooden dowels upon which you can hang your fettuccine, spaghetti, capellini, and the like. Go for it. Making fresh pasta is fun and worth it--and if it doesn't work out, you can always use it to hang your socks out to dry. Ciao! --Shannon Borg ... Read more

Features

• The ideal tool for hanging long fresh pasta
• Quick and easy 10-minute assembly with Phillips screwdriver
• 12 removable wooden dowels provide up to 12 feet of hanging space
• Measures 12 by 13 by 15 inches
• Attractive all natural wood construction

Reviews (14)

very entertaining
The reviews, not the rack. I was in hysterics over Dennis Grace's assessment of this innocent little kitchen enhancement, and though I enjoyed Crystal Lane's rebuttal, by her car-equating logic I would have to take the following steps before buying this rack:

1. Get on line and find out what I can get for my old rack. (It does have new brakes.)
2. Go from showroom to showroom looking for the best deal.
3. See about financing. Boy is that ever a pain.
4. Notify my insurance company. You know what a NEW pasta drying rack can do to your rates!
5. Don't get suckered into paying for floor mats, rust-proofing, etc.
6. Park it far away from other racks--at least for a while.

There, I think I'm ready to break that twenty-dollar bill and buy it. You only live once.

Some reviewers are dumber than the wood
Well, all I can say in response to Dennis Grace is I have a bridge to sell you and a brand new Edsel you'd be interested in. While he takes issue with all the people that didn't agree with him, let's look at the facts, Dennis.

1) The rack IS cheap and flimsy. I don't know how an intelligent adult could praise such a piece of dreck.
2) The eleven dollars spent for this item is robbery. The wood, nor the quality justifies the outrageous price of this unit.
3) You state that you can always buy a new one if it breaks. This one had me in stitches. I suppose you buy a new car everytime it breaks? This is logic of the lowest form, if you can call it that.
4) This rack is foldable? Yes, if you take it apart. From this logic, a car is foldable too...if you take everything apart.
5) The slats are wide enough for pasta if you remove some of them? Oh, yes. You can do that. You can also take out the seats of your car and fit eight people in there too. Doable, but not what your car was intended to do.

In conclusion, Dennis needs a life instead of slamming people over some cheap wood.

Not very impressive
I thought the drying rack was pretty poorly made from really cheap wood. The thing reminded me of something you would make in woodshop in junior high school. Maybe that's why the reviewer "Dennis" likes this rack so much...it reminds him of his rare school accomplishments. The rack is nice looking but considering the price, it is no bargain. The wood splits on assembly because it is of poor quality. I liked the way it looked, but as for it being functional and sturdy, I would say other products would do better. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPDJ
Subjects:  1. Pasta Makers    2. (Pasta Machines)    3. Pasta Tools   

Circulon Classic 8-Quart Universal Pasta Insert with Lid
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $80.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If you've ever tipped a steaming pot of pasta into a strainer and missed, then you'll appreciate this clever pasta insert. It makes cooking pasta as simple and uncomplicated as boiling water. Plop the insert into an 8-, 10-, or 12-quart pot. Add water (about three times the amount as the volume of the pasta to be cooked), and when it comes to a boil, add the pasta gradually so the water keeps boiling. Then stir in a bit of salt, and cover with the snug, see-through lid. A few minutes later, presto: al dente pasta, every time. This versatile insert also works well for cooking up a batch of potatoes, a half-dozen ears of just-picked corn, or a slew of your favorite beans, and it can double as a strainer. --C. Whitney-Ward ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Unique design fits 8-, 10-, and 12-quart Circulon stockpots
• Snug, see-through lid locks in moisture and allows you to see foods as they cook
• Riveted stay-cool handles are oven-safe to 500 degrees F
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (1)

Pasta insert
You'll never go back to dragging a full pot of boiling water over to the sink, dumping it into a colander, and hoping you don't splash it on yourself/the counter/the child who just wandered into the kitchen/etc. There are plenty of similar pasta pots, and any of them will do, but if you already have a Circulon stockpot, this insert fits right into it (saves shelf space!), and it's sturdy and well-made. It's bigger than most pasta pots, too - it will easily hold 2 pounds or more of pasta, with plenty of room for water to circulate.

I use it for making stock as well as cooking pasta. I put the vegetables in the insert, and when it's time to strain, I just lift them out in the insert - no digging around with a slotting spoon and no pouring several gallons of hot stock through a strainer into another huge pot. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S8EH
Subjects:  1. (Multi-Pots)    2. Cookware    3. (Cook Ware)    4. Multipots    5. Pasta Pentolas   

This 13-inch-long nonstick pasta spoon is great for serving all types of pasta. Ordinary spoons don't hold on to noodles, but this spoon has deeply serrated, tinelike edges, as well as three drain holes in the center. Just dip the spoon into the spaghetti bowl; noodles wind around the spoon's edges and stay there until you shake them off. If you don't have a colander handy, you can also use this spoon to scoop and drain the noodles. It has a wide, oval handgrip with a hole in the end for hanging. It also features DuPont's SilverStone nonstick coating on both sides of the spoon's well, so pasta won't cling and cleanup's easy. The spoon is dishwasher-safe; keep it away from sharp utensils to prevent damage to the nonstick coating. --Doree Armstrong ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe; avoid sharp utensils to prevent damage to nonstick coating
• Nonstick pasta spoon for lifting, serving, draining all kinds of pasta
• SilverStone nonstick coating means pasta won't stick to the spoon; easy cleanup
• Long, oval handle keeps your hands safely away from hot noodles, water
• Serrated edges with drain holes help lift and drain noodles

Asin: B00004UDQX
Subjects:  1. Pasta Tools